Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-13
Love is patient; love is kind.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NRSV)
First Corinthians 13 is a favorite scripture of mine, and I wanted to read it at my son’s wedding. Uncomfortable with public speaking but wanting to give this reading as a gift to the newlyweds,
I began preparing by reading it aloud every morning to my husband, Paul. And every morning, he joined me in saying the last few words: “and the greatest of these is love.”
As the wedding day drew closer, my husband’s health began to deteriorate quickly. It soon became clear that he would not be able to attend the wedding. He needed assistance with bathing, eating, and dressing. Putting on a shirt often left him out of breath. He was grateful for the help I gave him, and he expressed his appreciation often. We found ourselves quoting to each other words from the scripture: “Love is patient; love is kind.”
Ten days after the wedding, my husband passed away. My new daughter-in-law read 1 Corinthians 13 at his service. I learned in those days that love is a true gift from God.
Thought for the Day:
God’s love for me is always patient.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your presence in happy times and in trying times. Your love is always patient and kind. Amen.
Prayer Focus: SOMEONE GRIEVING A SPOUSE
The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Love is patient; love is kind.
First Corinthians 13 is a favorite scripture of mine, and I wanted to read it at my son’s wedding. Uncomfortable with public speaking but wanting to give this reading as a gift to the newlyweds,
I began preparing by reading it aloud every morning to my husband, Paul. And every morning, he joined me in saying the last few words: “and the greatest of these is love.”
As the wedding day drew closer, my husband’s health began to deteriorate quickly. It soon became clear that he would not be able to attend the wedding. He needed assistance with bathing, eating, and dressing. Putting on a shirt often left him out of breath. He was grateful for the help I gave him, and he expressed his appreciation often. We found ourselves quoting to each other words from the scripture: “Love is patient; love is kind.”
Ten days after the wedding, my husband passed away. My new daughter-in-law read 1 Corinthians 13 at his service. I learned in those days that love is a true gift from God.
Thought for the Day:
God’s love for me is always patient.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your presence in happy times and in trying times. Your love is always patient and kind. Amen.
Prayer Focus: SOMEONE GRIEVING A SPOUSE
The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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